Nick Shopland

Sat, 2010-01-30 20:00 — janner

Nick 'Shoppo' Shopland died on Friday 29 January 2010 of heart attack. It is a huge loss to his family, Cotham Park RFC and rugby as a whole.

I am sure that many reading this will want to pay their respects. Details of his funeral will be posted here when they become available.

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Sat, 2010-02-13 11:28 — Andy West (not verified)

Just heard the sad news from

Just heard the sad news from Mike 'Chopper' Gill. Nick was a super bloke and 110% dedicated to Cotham Park. I have many fond memories of Nick both on and off the field. Living in Reading I don't see much of the club but when ever I managed to get down to the clubhouse Nick was always there for a good chat and catch up. I think the bar should be named after him and also a memorial cup. My heart felt condolences go out to Nicks family. God bless you Nick.

Mon, 2010-03-01 16:50 — Jamie, Old Bristolians RFC (not verified)

I have only just come on here

I have only just come on here and heard the sad news. I played against Nick on several occassions and always found him to be a very hard and committed player and a very nice bloke in the bar after the game. I have no doubt that he will be missed by all at Cotham Park and matches in the future certainly won't be the same.
Jamie

Thu, 2010-02-04 00:09 — David Snell (not verified)

It was a real shock to hear

It was a real shock to hear of Nick's death. It's been a few years since I've seen and spoken to him (at the Centenary Dinner) but I frequently accessed the Park website and saw that he was still dedicated to the club and active on a number of fronts. He was a tremendous bloke, my memories of him as player, were that when younger (I'm talking the early 80's) he was a bit reckless and would frequently get hurt, but would never give up. On tour he could drink a bit and will always remember a trip to Devon, where he'd had around 8 pints of Guinness before a game and just about managed to get his kit on and last until half time. I would be very grateful if someone could pass on my condolencies to his family, as living in Australia I would not be able to attend his funeral. All the very best to the club at this sad time. Dave 'Snelly' Snell.

Mon, 2010-02-01 15:03 — stringer

Any ideas of a fitting

Any ideas of a fitting tribute to the big man? I think he deserves more than a plaque on the wall or a bench after his years of commitment to the club.

Tue, 2010-02-02 15:42 — 1991 Junior player of the year (not verified)

Although i have not seen Nick

Although i have not seen Nick for a long time i just want to extend my deepest sympathy to his family. Nick coached me as a Junior and was the main reason rugby on a cold sunday morning as a junior was so enjoyable. It would be an honour to take part in any kind of memorial game tribute to a great man.

Tue, 2010-02-02 11:54 — Hicksy (not verified)

What about naming the bar

What about naming the bar after him?

Mon, 2010-02-01 19:29 — ron peters

Craig, never spoke to you,

Craig, never spoke to you, but how this for a start, I can remember Nick saying it was always his wish to play in the same team as his son, and he was so proud in doing so. With the Dinner in mind, how about giving his son the honour of being An Honorary Vice-President of Cotham Park. I,m sure this would not only keep us mindful of all the good he has done for the Club, but also show the Shopland Family what was thought of him, keeping his name in our minds for many, many years to come. ( If Nick is looking down on us, I think it will meet with his approval ).

Mon, 2010-02-01 23:42 — Rob Bown (not verified)

There are a couple of things

There are a couple of things to add. Cotham Park RFC, was from my understanding his passion, he wanted to see it develop but at the same time was very protective of the club's core standards, whether it was taking the time to welcome visiting players and club officials, ensuring the club was regarded in good favour when on tour or just away matches and the long term development and growth of the club. This natural penchant for development and betterment has been clearly seen in his leadership at CP RFC through both the juniors and senior sides over the years and more recently in his inspirational headship at my daughter's primary school (Birdwell Primary, Long Ashton). With this in mind I would like to suggest a development fund or some sort of scholarship for the development of talent within the club. Nick will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him.